We, the undersigned, petition the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) to address the issue of the scarcity of white-tailed deer within Wildlife Management Unit 84 (WMU 84). Recognizing the significant recreational and societal value derived from a healthy and balanced deer population, we urge the OMNR to take action to revitalize the deer herd in WMU 84.

Much of WMU 84 experienced a substantial decline in its white-tailed deer population starting as early as 2007, negatively impacting the recreational opportunities and experiences of residents and enthusiasts alike. This initial decline and the chronically low deer population that persists not only negatively affects hunting opportunities but also diminishes the recreational enjoyment derived from wildlife observation and the broader appreciation of nature.

As stakeholders representing a diverse spectrum of interests, including hunters, non-hunting rural residents, landowners, and farmers, we collectively seek the common goal of increasing the white-tailed deer population in WMU 84. Large areas of very suitable habitat in WMU 84 are no longer consistently occupied by deer. In contrast, neighbouring WMUs to the south, such as WMU 85, support higher deer populations densities and higher recreational opportunities while still being balanced with other competing interests (e.g., agriculture, road safety). We would like WMU 84 to support comparable deer population densities as neighbouring WMUs to the south.

While our shared objective is to revitalize the deer population, we recognize that different stakeholders may have varied preferences for how this goal can be achieved.

Therefore, this petition offers several possible solutions for consideration:

1. Implementation of a Controlled Deer Hunt: Regulate the number of hunters within WMU 84 to manage conflicts and ensure sustainable hunting practices but no change to firearm type (rifles remain permitted in first season, muzzleloaders in second season). When coupled with antlerless quota reductions, a Controlled Deer Hunt still provides ample opportunities for residents of the Controlled Hunt WMU to both hunt and draw an antlerless deer tag. This has the added benefit of reducing conflict among hunters and also between hunters and landowners.

2. Elimination of Supplemental Deer Tags: Cease the issuance of Supplemental Deer Tags to contribute to restoring a healthy deer population.

3. Reduction of Antlerless Deer Tag Allocation: Reduce the Antlerless Deer Tag allocation within WMU 84 to aid in the recovery of a balanced deer population.

Signatories are invited to support this petition by endorsing one or more of the above proposed solutions. Endorsement contributes to our effort to present a unified voice to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources that emphasizes both the urgency of addressing the low deer population in WMU 84, while also demonstrating the preferred solution among stakeholders.

Your participation and support are crucial in ensuring a thriving deer population that caters to both recreational enjoyment and ecological sustainability in this region.

Thank you for your attention and support.

Sincerely,

Daniel Andres (petition organizer), MSc. Ecology

Please indicate in the comment section if you would like to endorse only a limited number of the suggested solutions (e.g., 1, 2, or 3; 1 & 2, etc.)

Stakeholder Type - please indicate in comment if you are: Hunter, Resident of WMU 84, Landowner, Farmer, Other Nature Enthusiast